Codelco says partner for Maricunga lithium project should be tapped by year-end

Chile’s state-run mining company Codelco said on Thursday that its search for a partner in its Maricunga lithium project should conclude by the end of this year with a final selection.

Codelco, the world’s largest copper miner, has been tasked with leading a government plan championed by President Gabriel Boric to boost state control over the production of lithium, the key rechargeable battery metal.